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Matthew Drake’s Cooperstown Collection (Vol. II), Part II (National League)

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Good Sunday morning, Uni Watchers. I hope everyone had a great Saturday. And a very Happy Mother’s Day to all!

Yesterday was actually quite a busy day, uni-wise, and I had an afternoon post on the New York Giants possibly unveiling a throwback uniform tomorrow. Then, late last night, there was a video leak of the Cleveland Guardians City Connect uniforms (which, while unconfirmed, appears to be legitimate). If you missed either of those, feel free to check them out at your leisure.

Now then.

Last weekend, long-time reader and graphic artist Matthew Drake shared his designs for the American League in what he is calling the “Cooperstown Collection,” which he noted were “a faux-back for each team that includes elements from their past identities.” If you missed that article, please click here.

Matt returns today with Part II of this series, which features jerseys for the National League (and I think you’ll find there are some absolute gems in here!).

You can follow Matthew @MJD7Design on the Twitter/X. In addition, some of the designs are will be available as real-life jerseys with the help of Pro Line Mockups, so they can follow along on Twitter @MJD7Design and @ProLineMockups to stay updated.

Here’s Matthew:

• • • • •

Cooperstown Collection, Vol. II, Part I
by Matthew Drake

NL EAST

Atlanta

This jersey is inspired by the 1929 team, which is probably where the modern-day Atlanta’s subtle use of gold can be traced back to.

__________

Miami Marlins

This jersey is based on the Triple-A Miami Marlins that existed from 1956-1960. Pairing the design with the modern colors personally reminds me a bit of the Miami Art Deco District.

__________

New York Mets

This jersey is inspired by the Brooklyn Royal Giants, a Negro League team that existed from 1904-1942, that the Mets wore a throwback for in 2014. I believe it also hypothetically would mark the first time the team wears the full “Metropolitans” name on a jersey.

__________

Philadelphia Phillies

I went with a wordmark that dates back to at least 1888, and added the Phanatic on the sleeve for an added vintage feel.

__________

Washington Nationals

I loved the throwback the Nats wore in 2019, which was the powder blue jersey the Expos wore for a decade, from their inception in 1969 until 1979, so I referenced that here.

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NL CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs

I absolutely love the script the team used in 1932 & 1933, so it takes center stage here.

__________

Cincinnati Reds

This jersey is a combination of the Reds’ 1956 “Mr. Redleg” & 1962 vest designs.

_________

Milwaukee Brewers

The striping is inspired by the former Brewers of the American Association, & the font & sleeve logo come from the Brew Crew’s amazing “YOUniform” promotion they did in 2013, in which the winning design was created by Ben Peters.

__________

Pittsburgh Pirates

This is the only simple recolor from Volume I of the series, I couldn’t help but go with a black version of the Pirates’ pullover pinstripe jersey they wore from 1977-1979.

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St. Louis Cardinals

With the help of the wonderful website cardinalsuniformsandlogos.com, this jersey is a combination of a couple of different designs the Cardinals wore in 1922.

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NL WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks

Naturally, I went back to the purple & teal era again, but this time with a teal base color, which the team had never done during that era or since. The new full “Diamondbacks” wordmark makes an appearance.

__________

Colorado Rockies

This design is based on the Denver Bears Minor League team’s infamous “Strike Zone” jersey, which they began wearing in 1952, to supposedly help umpires with calling balls and strikes.

__________

Los Angeles Dodgers

This checkered design is based on the 1916 Brooklyn Dodgers, who had a similar jersey pattern.

__________

San Diego Padres

I went with the Padres’ initial gold jersey, which they wore in 1972 & 1973, and paired it with a script from the Pacific Coast League version of the team.

__________

San Francisco Giants

I went with a plaid pattern inspired by what the 1916 New York Giants wore.

• • • • •

Thanks Matt! — Wonderful set for the National League!

Readers? What say you?

 

 
  
 

Guess the Game from the Uniform


Based on the suggestion of long-time reader/contributor Jimmy Corcoran, we’ve introduced a new “game” on Uni Watch, which is similar to the popular “Guess the Game from the Scoreboard” (GTGFTS), only this one asked readers to identify the game based on the uniforms worn by teams.

Like GTGFTS, readers will be asked to guess the date, location and final score of the game from the clues provided in the photo. Sometimes the game should be somewhat easy to ascertain, while in other instances, it might be quite difficult. There will usually be a visual clue (something odd or unique to one or both of the uniforms) that will make a positive identification of one and only one game possible. Other times, there may be something significant about the game in question, like the last time a particular uniform was ever worn (one of Jimmy’s original suggestions). It’s up to YOU to figure out the game and date.

Today’s GTGFTU comes from Jimmy Corcoran himself! (Jimmy says Jimmer Vilk is prohibited from playing in this one).

Good luck and please post your guess/answer in the comments below.

 

 

Guess the Game from the Scoreboard

Guess The Game…

…From The Scoreboard

Today’s scoreboard comes from Roger Klein.

The premise of the game (GTGFTS) is simple: I’ll post a scoreboard and you guys simply identify the game depicted. In the past, I don’t know if I’ve ever completely stumped you (some are easier than others).

Here’s the Scoreboard. In the comments below, try to identify the game (date and location, as well as final score). If anything noteworthy occurred during the game, please add that in (and if you were AT the game, well bonus points for you!):

Please continue sending these in! You’re welcome to send me any scoreboard photos (with answers please), and I’ll keep running them.

 

 

And finally...

…that’s going to do it for the early lede (I’ll have a Ticker later, but this will likely be the only article of the day, as I’ll be spending most of the day with my 90 year old mom for Mother’s Day). Big thanks to Matt for sharing still more of his MLB concepts! I really enjoyed this batch.

Everyone have a great Sunday — and (to paraphrase the late, great Ralph Kiner) to all the Mom’s out there, Happy Birthday.

And a Happy Mother’s Day to all!

Catch you next weekend, but until then…

Peace,

PH

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Comments (49)

    I respect that, Sam! It was a bit difficult coming up with a design for them, since their uniform history has remained relatively consistent, but I’m pretty happy with how they turned out.

    Awesome job, Matt! I think it’s kind of interesting to see that broken up Metropolitans on a jersey. Not a big fan of the checkered unis though I know they have history. The navy number on the Nats looks black, royal would have worked better IMO.

    Thanks, Brent! That Mets design came about because the Mets have had a fairly consistent uniform history, without any unique or “out-there” designs.

    Yeah, the checkered designs seem to have been pretty divisive, both on here and on Twitter. I think it’d be a fun throwback that would kind of show people how different early 20th century baseball uniforms really could get, but I understand that people have different opinions.

    Royal for the Nats definitely could have worked, I’ve just always associated DC with navy, going back to the Senators days.

    Work like this makes me hate City Connect with the heat of 1000 blazing suns.

    I get the historical accuracy of the Cubs, but the font makes it look like “Eubs.”

    Finally GTGFTU
    3 Dec 1972 at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium
    Dan Pastorini handing off to Fred Willis in the first ever Oilers/Falcons matchup.
    Atlanta never tails, winning 20-10

    Would love to see a Falcons/Titans game featuring these near-flawless sets.
    In the words of Marshall Crenshaw – Someday, Someway.

    Jimmer, I hope you have the 1973 game, when Dallas wore their blue jerseys against those dashing white Oilers uniforms in your top 5.

    You got it Marc, and like everyone else, I agree those are two of the strongest NFL uniforms ever. What a great looking matchup.

    Thanks Marc! I actually like the City Connect program more & more with each new release, but this series would’ve been a fun alternative that would be more unique to baseball & its history, although it may not have been as popular.

    Wow. The Strike Zone jersey needs to be made a thing.

    Get to it, Colorado!

    Thanks! The “Strike Zone” design is definitely one of my favorites of the series.

    I’m glad that checkered and plaid uniforms didn’t catch on. They’re awful.

    One thing you can bank on, though…teal jerseys like that Diamondbacks one will get my seal of approval.

    I understand, Rick, the plaid uniforms have definitely been pretty divisive. I think they’d be fun as the occasional throwback, though.

    Looks like a middle school kid designed the Dodgers uniform during math class

    Yeah, not really into the graph paper look. Also the number is on the wrong side.

    I didn’t realize the “graph paper” comparison until someone pointed it out on Twitter, but now I can’t really unsee it myself, either.

    The front number is on the wearer’s right side, though, because that’s where teams generally put it when there is a logo on the left chest, to keep balance.

    This is a strong batch of uniforms with a lot to like. Atlanta, NY, Pittsburgh, Arizona, San Diego, Milwaukee, Miami: All standouts.

    Thanks for sharing, Matthew!
    Pins & plaid for the Cards & Giants…No way.
    Pins & teal for the Pirates & DBacks…OK.
    I feel the Dodgers kinda ‘need’ their script, but the Padres don’t.
    Atlanta: The red/yellow harkens back to the shared color schemes used by the Flames and Hawks. Your design is really sharp!
    Philadelphia: Easily my favorite of your concepts. However, I can’t be alone (?) in my dislike for the Phanatic. I mean, IRL it’s a great mascot-perhaps the best-but the likeness doesn’t translate as a static patch.
    Washington: The Nats picked the wrong lane by latching onto the Senators’ leftovers and forgetting about their Montreal roots, but the Curly W doesn’t pair well on the Expos chassis.
    Cincinnati: Ahh – a true Klu vest! Unlike the Phanatic, Mr. Redlegs (and his cousin Mr. Met for that matter) look exceptionally great in 2D…in-person, they do not.
    Colorado: I remember hating when the Brewers and the Mariners added green…but doing so looks great on the your Rockies top.

    Thank you, Chris!

    Yeah, as I’ve mentioned before, the plaid definitely seems to be more divisive than I was expecting. It’s hard to believe the Cardinals ever wore pinstripes, too, but they did in the early 20th century, over many years actually!

    The Diamondbacks teal was definitely different from most of the other designs in this series, but I’m really happy with how it turned out. Same goes for Pittsburgh.

    It definitely does feel strange for the Dodgers to not have their script, but I wanted to try something at least a bit different from their regular look. I had a few different options to go with for the Padres, but the PCL script just stood out as the best and most unique in my eyes.

    It was difficult to come up with a second design for Atlanta, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, the gold definitely makes it “pop.”

    Funny enough, the Phillies were probably my least favorite of the series, and definitely the most difficult to come up with a design for. I get what you mean about the Phanatic, though, especially in comparison to Mr. Redleg & Mr. Met. I think part of it is because those mascots have been used as logos for much longer than the Phanatic has, so it feels more natural.

    I get why the Nationals went with more Senators inspiration as opposed to the Expos, as they wouldn’t want to make it seem like they’re stealing the team from another city anymore than they already had. I actually really like the curly W paired with powder blue though, myself.

    I think forest green would definitely at least be better for the Rockies than black would. I’m glad they went that route for the City Connect.

    Thanks for your feedback!

    That Cubs script is awesome!

    I’m a big fan of incorporating the forest green into the Rockies color scheme.

    Thanks!

    I’d support the Rockies incorporating forest green as well, obviously. I still think purple should be their primary, but green would make for a nice accent.

    The Jimmer can play if he wants! but the Oilers only wore those helmets for three seasons, the Jimmer knows those three years like I know the Philadelphia Bell. By the way, Jimmer, who made the jerseys in 1972, is that Sand Knit or Russell?

    That is a V neck, most NFL teams Sand Knit did in 1972 were still crew neck, in 1974 the WFL Sand Knit jerseys were V neck. Also, those are sewn on numbers, that number 2 was a custom font, Sand Knit and Russell were still using the block style numbers back then. Are the 1972 Oilers uniforms your favorite Jimmer? The white uniforms were a one-year style, they switched to white tube socks for 1973 and 74.

    Are the 1972 Oilers uniforms your favorite Jimmer?

    Absolutely.

    That’s the only *uniform* that made me switch allegiances. I was a Vikings and Bears fan before that because I liked certain players on those teams, and afterwards I was a Steelers fan because my family came from Western Pennsylvania.
    The minute I saw the ’72 Oilers, I told my dad, “That’s my new favorite team!”

    Fun stuff, Matthew! I particularly love the Rockies jersey. It’s a great reminder of what a good color combination dark green and purple can be. (Don’t tell Paul I said that!)

    Thank you! The Rockies are one of my favorite designs of the series, as well. I’d really love to see the team adopt that color scheme.

    I understand I will be very much in the minority in this opinions, but I love the checks and plaid. Maybe it’s just a case of so bad/ridiculous it’s good but I do enjoy them! And that Cincy vest is dapper, even if it is a vest.

    Thanks Justin! The plaid has definitely been divisive, but like you said, I think it’d be one of those so ridiculous it’s fun type of scenarios.

    I love the Brewers concept. And my gosh do the Nats need to switch to that old Expos number font.

    As for the Rockies, while I dig the historical reference, the “strike zone” design repeats a problem with the original: It visually expands the strike zone for batters wearing the jersey, not for pitchers wearing it. So if it actually worked to influence strike calls – an iffy proposition – it would work to the disadvantage of the team wearing it.

    I am very picky about what uniforms I like. However, I really like the D-Backs, Marlins, Nationals and Brewers. Thanks for sharing your talent. Love to read other’s thoughts, that are often different than mine!

    Thank you very much, Kent! I agree, reading others’ thoughts and feedback, even if people don’t like my designs, and engaging in dialogue is one of my favorite parts of the design process!

    This is your mandatory reminder that the Mets are just the Mets, and technically has never been the Metropolitans. That is all.

    I had always thought that “Metropolitans” was their official name, while the “nickname” has always been the Mets, and according to Wikipedia, that is in fact the case:

    “The nickname ‘Mets’ was adopted: being a natural shorthand to the club’s corporate name, the ‘New York Metropolitan Baseball Club, Inc.’, which hearkened back to the ‘Metropolitans’ (a New York team in the American Association from 1880 to 1887), and its brevity was advantageous for newspaper headlines.”

    So, while the jerseys have always featured “Mets,” the team’s corporate name is (or at least was) the full “Metropolitans.” So, this design would be the first time the full corporate name would be featured on a jersey.

    All I can see on that Phillies mockup is PHIL A. Maybe you should change it to PHIL H.

    Haha! Yeah, I’m not the biggest fan of the “Phila.” wordmark myself, but it was pretty historic for them.

    I like all of them, even the plaid ones. Much better than most CC efforts by a landslide.

    I love so many of these! The Marlins is far and away my favorite, as well as the Mets, Pirates, and Cubs. This era is one that should be looked to for uni-inspiration more, I believe.

    Thanks, Matt! I do agree that throwbacks can provide a lot of inspiration for modern designs.

Comments are closed.